Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece can eliminate deviation in the information display position of two display wheels. An electronic timepiece has: a first display wheel having numerals indicating the ones digit of the date; and a second display wheel having numerals indicating the tens digit of the date. At least one of the display wheels can be turned in a first direction and a second direction. A controller, when turning the display wheel in the first direction, executes a first rotation process of turning the display wheel in the first direction and then stopping rotation of the display wheel; and when turning the display wheel in the second direction, executes a second rotation process of turning the display wheel in the second direction, then turning the display wheel in the first direction, and then stopping rotation of the display wheel.

Abstract: In an approach to playing an alarm based on preferred parameters and sleep cycle, identifying a plurality of alarm settings, wherein the plurality of alarm settings includes alarm times; identifying a current time; identifying a range of alarm times from the plurality of alarm settings; in response to determining that individuals are to be monitored for respective sleep statuses based in part on the plurality of alarm settings, identifying the respective sleep statuses, wherein each sleep status comprises one of an awake state and an asleep state; in response to determining at least one respective sleep status is an awake state, determining whether the current time is within the range of alarm times; and in response to determining the first current time is within the range of alarm times, playing an alarm.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a storage portion that stores a plurality of pieces of schedule information, an image reading portion that generates image data of an original document including a plurality of description fields, a printing portion, and a control portion that recognizes a plurality of description field regions corresponding to the plurality of description fields, respectively, recognizes in-field information that is included in each of the plurality of description field regions in association with a date borne by a corresponding one of the plurality of description fields, extracts one of the plurality of pieces of schedule information and a piece of the in-field information which correspond to a common date as first subject information and second subject information, respectively, and performs control so that an update information image is printed.

Abstract: A frequency division circuit includes a first frequency division circuit which divides a frequency of a reference signal that is generated by an oscillation circuit. An input/output terminal outputs an output signal of the first frequency division circuit for testing. A selection circuit outputs as an intermediate signal one of a first intermediate signal which is input from the input/output output terminal, and a second intermediate signal which is an output signal of the first frequency division circuit. A second frequency division circuit divides a frequency of the intermediate signal output from the selection circuit. A switching time count circuit begins counting a predetermined amount of time after the second frequency division circuit starts frequency-dividing the intermediate signal and, after elapse of the predetermined amount of time, switches the intermediate signal output from the selection circuit from the first intermediate signal to the second intermediate signal.

Abstract: An interaction method between a graphic tactile device such as a smartphone and a timepiece having at least two analog-type physical pointers is disclosed. Each of the pointers is controlled independently by a stepper motor and referenced relative to a ref-position. The timepiece comprises a control unit configured to handle time count and to control stepper motors. The smartphone has a value setting interface, and the timepiece and the smartphone communicate through a wireless remote short-range communication link. The method comprises the steps of initiating a calibration procedure, causing the minute pointer to be moved to the ref-position via the value setting interface, causing the hour pointer to be moved to the ref-position via the value setting interface, and ending the calibration procedure, and return to a normal time display, Thereby, starting from an initial unknown pointer positions, the control unit of the timepiece can accurately know the positions of pointers.

Abstract: A position-measuring device includes a position-sensing unit, a processing unit, an interface unit, a clock generator and a time measurement unit position-sensing unit configured to generate digital position values. The processing unit processes instructions from subsequent electronics. The interface unit communicates with the subsequent electronics, according to rules of an interface protocol, via at least one interface line that transmits interface signals having a temporal behavior that is determined by the interface protocol so as to transmit the instructions from the subsequent electronics to the processing unit. The clock generator generates a clock signal that serves as a time base for functions of the position-sensing unit and the processing unit. The time measurement unit uses the clock signal as a time base, receives at least one interface signal and measures a time interval between a start event and a stop event of the at least one interface signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for easily setting a snooze interval in a mobile device are provided. In the method, the mobile device receives an event for setting a snooze function, outputs, when receiving the event, a plurality of display regions respectively corresponding to a plurality of snooze intervals, and selects one display region of the plurality display regions. Then the mobile device sets the snooze function with a specific snooze interval corresponding to the selected one display region.

Abstract: A plug-in wall timer has a prominent single “one touch” activator which causes a countdown period or varying length according to the number of times it is pressed, so that the timer's outlet may be energized only for that selected period. The device is simple to use, requires no programming, and operates independently of the current time of the day or day of the week.

Abstract: Discussed are a smart watch and a control method thereof. The smart watch includes a rotation sensor unit configured to sense a rotation direction and a rotation speed of the smart watch; a display unit configured to display visual information; and a processor configured to control the rotation sensor unit and the display unit and detect a first snap motion and a second snap motion of the smart watch. The first snap motion is detected when the smart watch rotates on an axis of rotation of the smart watch in a first direction at a first threshold speed or more, and the second snap motion is detected when the smart watch rotates on the axis of rotation in the first direction at less than the first threshold speed and then rotates in a second direction at a second threshold speed or more within a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system, method and computer product program for computation of alarm time. The system includes an alarm device for generating an alarm. The system also includes an alarm application hosted on the alarm device for providing at least one user defined alarm condition. The system further includes an alarm engine for receiving the user defined alarm condition, initiating a probe to receive data from data sources, processing the received alarm conditions and the received data to compute the alarm time and next probe time repeating iteratively until the next probe time is less than the computed alarm time. The system generates alarm at the computed alarm time when the next probe time becomes greater than the alarm time.

Abstract: A mobile terminal may comprise an executing unit being configured to activate an alarm clock when the mobile terminal is off. The mobile terminal may be configured to receive a target alarm clock activation time; determine a time difference between a current time and the target alarm clock activation time; and compare the time difference with a first reference time period. Upon determining that time difference is less than the first reference time period, the mobile terminal may start up. Upon determining that the time that the mobile terminal completes the startup is less than a second reference time period, the mobile terminal may activate the alarm clock.

Abstract: An electronic device which includes an alarm clock function includes a gravity sensor. The gravity sensor detects X acceleration values of an X-axis, Y acceleration values of a Y-axis, and Z acceleration values of a Z-axis in relation to the electronic device. The electronic device determines a first average acceleration value of X acceleration values, a second average acceleration value of Y acceleration values, and a third average acceleration value of Y acceleration values. When a current time of the electronic device matches an alarm time of an alarm clock, the electronic device detects whether a user of the electronic device is awakened by determining whether the first average acceleration value, or the second average acceleration value, or the third average acceleration value is greater than a predetermined value . If the user is not awakened, the electronic device activates the alarm clock again to awaken the user.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring a time of day, activating an alarm function when the time of day is equal to a predetermined time of day, and making an alarm sound audible, wherein the alarm sound is selected from a set of alarm sounds based at least in part on at least one of the predetermined time of day, a difference in time between a current time of day and the predetermined time of day, or a calendar date.

Abstract: A device configured for capture of activity data for a user includes a housing, a sensor, a motor, a memory, and a processor. The sensor is disposed in the housing to capture physical contact upon the housing. The motor causes vibration of the housing. The memory stores an alarm setting that defines a time of day for triggering an alarm on the device. The processor activates the alarm upon reaching the time of day defined by the alarm setting, with the alarm causing the motor to produce the vibration of the housing. The sensor, which is interfaced with the processor, is configured to detect a physical contact upon the housing. The processor is configured to deactivate the alarm if the physical contact qualifies as an input to deactivate the alarm. The deactivating of the alarm causes the vibration of the device to be suspended.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide in an exemplary aspect thereof a method that includes storing data descriptive of a plurality of alarm sounds received from at least one source of alarm sounds, the stored data forming a set of alarm sounds; selecting an alarm sound from the set of alarm sounds; and playing the selected alarm sound at a predetermined time, where the selected alarm sound is one corresponding to data that was most recently stored. In another exemplary aspect of the invention a method includes, in response to a user input, enabling an alarm function and recording a current time of day; monitoring the time of day and activating the alarm function when the time of day is equal to a predetermined time of day; and making an alarm sound audible, where the alarm sound is selected from a set of alarm sounds based at least in part on a difference in time between the recorded time of day and the predetermined time of day.

Abstract: A gesture-based user interface comprises a wearable portable device storing a gesture profile for each of a plurality of different applications on the wearable portable device to define different gestures for the different applications, wherein each of the gesture profiles includes at least one gesture and a predetermined function associated with the at least one gesture; and a profile web service, wherein the portable device is in communication with the profile web service and is configured to download from the profile web service to the wearable portable device a customizable gesture profile for a particular one of the applications, wherein the customized gesture profile modifies at least one of the different gestures, the customized gesture profile comprising personal preferences of the user regarding the modified gesture, including physical attributes of the user.

Abstract: A communication device locks input of the communication device and executes an alarm if a current time reaches a set alarm time. When the alarm is executed, an unlock input set is generated for unlocking the input and an alarm disable button set is generated for disabling the alarm. If an unlock input set is the same as the generated unlock keypad set, the locked input is unlocking. If the alarm disable button set input by the user is the same as the generated alarm disable button set, the communication device disables the alarm.

Abstract: The present invention can permit an electronic device to output contextual information about an event when an alarm stored within the electronic device goes off. In one embodiment, an electronic device can permit a user to select an alarm template from a plurality of alarm templates and associate the selected alarm template with an alarm. When the alarm goes off at a later date, the electronic device can output the contextual information of the user-selected alarm template, thereby providing the user with contextual information relevant to the event for which the alarm was created. In another embodiment of the present invention, a receiving electronic device can automatically match alarm templates with alarms transferred from a transmitting electronic device. The present invention also can permit a user to create an alarm template, and customize alarm templates pre-populated by the manufacturer of an electronic device.

Abstract: An alarm clock that will adjust a wake-up time set by a user based on the detection of a predetermined external event that is not based on user input. Examples of such external events are school closings broadcast over a radio station and flight cancellations listed on an airline's website. The adjustment can be deactivating the alarm or changing the wake time based on the event, e.g., a one hour flight delay can be set to adjust the alarm by one hour.

Abstract: A device and method for waking a user includes providing a vibrating alarm assembly that features a water-tight shell, a tether physically coupled to the water-tight shell, a vibration-producing element disposed within the water-tight shell, and a timer disposed within the water-tight shell. The timer being communicatively coupled to the vibration-producing element and operable to activate the vibration-producing element at a preselected time of day. The novel vibrating alarm assembly is then inserted within a body cavity of the user.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch-screen display, a processor, a memory, and one or more modules stored in the memory. The one or more modules are adapted to be executed by the processor to enter into a user-interface alarm state from a user-interface non-alarm state in responds to an alarm trigger condition. The one or more modules are adapted to display one or more contact areas on the touch-screen display in the user-interface alarm state. The one or more modules are adapted to change locations of the one or more contact areas on the touch-screen display. The one or more modules are adapted to detect one or more contact actions on each of the one or more contact areas on the touch-screen display. The one or more modules are adapted to change the electronic device to the user-interface non-alarm state.

Abstract: A patient-portable medication event monitor is disclosed which is capable of detecting the dispensing of doses of a particular medication from the monitor, comparing the dispensing detected with information concerning the desired dosing regimen for the certain medication and displaying graphically to the patient at least one feedback indication of the patient's degree of compliance or deviation with the desired regimen.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an input unit to generate input signals according to a users input. A storage unit to store audio files, an alarm speaker unit to sound the alarm audio files and execute the alarm commands. In addition, a processing unit to sound the alarm after a system time reaches a preset time period. Moreover, analyses operation type according to the input signals to control the speaker unit to resound the alarm or not sound the alarm after a time period according to the operation type. An alarm method is also provided.

Abstract: A user can select an alarm sound source from a list including, e.g., radio and Internet, and at the user-defined alarm time, audio received from the source is automatically displayed on a speaker to awaken the user.

Abstract: An alarm clock device includes a monitor for monitoring a transmission of a selected station, a detector for detecting, in the transmission of the selected station, at least one milestone. A controller operating in response to detection of the milestone is provided to store, in a memory, data of the transmission after the milestone was detected, and to initiate playing of the data at a selected wakeup time. According to the present invention, the data is recorded in response to detecting a transmission of a selected station selected from a plurality of stations.

Abstract: An alarm clock device includes a monitor for monitoring a transmission of a selected station, a detector for detecting, in the transmission of the selected station, at least one milestone. A controller operating in response to detection of the milestone is provided to store, in a memory, data of the transmission after the milestone was detected, and to initiate playing of the data at a selected wakeup time. According to the present invention, the data is recorded in response to detecting a transmission of a selected station selected from a plurality of stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying appointment information on a face of a clock is disclosed. When the clock receives appointment information, the appointment information is stored in a memory. The appointment information for the next 12 hours is then displayed around the face of the clock.

Abstract: A device for the storage of at least one of solid, liquid or gaseous objects. The device including at least one compartment that is configured to contain at least one object. The filling or emptying of the compartment triggers an electrically-readable signal. In one embodiment, the compartment may be mechanically modified and an electrically-readable signal is generated based on a corresponding mechanical change to the compartment. An electrical data memory with at least one memory cell is integrated into the device. The memory cell is assigned to the compartment. The memory cell is configured to adopt a value corresponding to the mechanical change to the compartment. The device also includes an analytical circuit for reading the data memory.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for starting a mobile communications device are disclosed. The mobile communications device is operated by a device user. The device includes an output device for emitting a sensible signal. An input device receives user input from the device user. An alarm application receives an input time and date through the input device and determines an adjusted time and date. The adjusted time and date comprises the input time and date minus a predicted boot time for the device. The alarm application also causes the output device to emit the sensible signal at the input time and date. A system timer component monitors a current time and date when the device is in a low-power or off state and initiates a boot process when the current time and date match the adjusted time and date. The boot process is completed prior to the input time and date to enable the alarm application to cause emission of the sensible signal at the input time and date.

Abstract: A wrist-worn phone is disclosed which includes a main housing with a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface including speaker holes, the front surface having a display. The wrist-worn phone further includes a first strap attached to a first end of the main housing, the first strap having an outer end. A second strap may be attached to the second end of the main housing, the second strap having an outer end, the outer end of the first strap for connecting with the outer end of the second strap. The second strap may be made from a shape retaining material for forming a generally elongated C shape such that the rear surface of the main housing is on an interior of the C shape. The wrist-worn phone may include an ear latch for hanging the main housing upon a human ear. A body-worn data storage device may include a plug mounted onto a strap of the device for insertion into a port of a computing device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for audibly playing through a speaker (12) of a timekeeping apparatus (1) comprising a visual replica of a shofar (11), at least one shofar call sound (14) in response to a timing device (17) of said timekeeping apparatus (1) reaching a predetermined time.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for starting a mobile communications device are disclosed. The mobile communications device is operated by a device user. The device includes an output device for emitting a sensible signal. An input device receives user input from the device user. An alarm application receives an input time and date through the input device and determines an adjusted time and date. The adjusted time and date comprises the input time and date minus a predicted boot time for the device. The alarm application also causes the output device to emit the sensible signal at the input time and date. A system timer component monitors a current time and date when the device is in a low-power or off state and initiates a boot process when the current time and date match the adjusted time and date. The boot process is completed prior to the input time and date to enable the alarm application to cause emission of the sensible signal at the input time and date.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic timepiece, of the wristwatch type, for providing information relating to an event comprising a plurality of scheduled events, like for example the Olympic Games, the football World Cup, or the public holidays across the world. The timepiece includes in particular a control circuit comprising storage means in which there is stored data relating to the scheduling of the plurality of scheduled events and comparison means for comparing the data stored with a time-related piece of information, the control circuit activating indicator means for designating one or more events in response to a control signal from comparison means.

Abstract: An electronic unit that is permitted to undergo operation control on the basis of a timer reservation set by a user includes a setting section for setting a time designated by the user, an operation control section for controlling the operation of the electronic unit in accordance with time set by the setting section, a display section for displaying an operation portion for operating the electronic unit, a display control section such that when the electronic unit is operative in accordance with the operation control section, it controls the display section so that a specific display is carried out on the display section, and a designation detecting section for detecting a designation of the user with respect to the specific display, whereby when a designation of the user is detected by the designation detecting section, the operation control section conducts a control to neglect the time set by the setting section and to continue the operation of the electronic unit when the designation of the user is detec

Abstract: A combination clock radio, weather station and message organizer includes a base unit having a visual display, a controller located in the base unit including a central processor for controlling operation of the combination, and a temperature sensor for obtaining outdoor temperature readings, the temperature sensor being in communication with the controller. The controller is adapted to present a hue on the visual display that is a function of the outdoor temperature reading. The combination may also include a pressure sensor in communication with the controller for monitoring a rate of change in atmospheric pressure and providing a weather forecast animation that is a function of the changes in the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A portable programmable medical alert device can be used to program multiple events, each of which will be signaled by an audible and a visual alarm. The user can program and reprogram medication schedules using only the portable alert device. The device, including a battery powered microcontroller, can be programmed by manipulation of two input switches, a push button switch and a two position to prevent inadvertent programming. Each programmed event will be signaled at the same time of day at which the alarm was originally set. When the alarms are transmitted to a user, the alert or reminder can be acknowledged by pressing the push button switch. The user can also activate the device prior to the next scheduled alarm without affecting subsequent alarms or alerts. Outputs can be audible and/or visible outputs, including an LCD. Inputs can be alternatively programmed by computer.

Abstract: A time interval to voltage converter with very low nonlinearity for time stamping events. The converter automatically selects one of two clocks related to a reference clock and ensures that the time between an event edge to a clock edge is sufficiently large to properly operate a switch and yield very linear time-to-voltage conversion.

Abstract: An alarm clock with multiple weekly and independent daily schedule capability. Three types of alarms are available and selectable for each schedule: a built in AM/FM radio, a noise maker, such as a buzzer, and an under pillow vibrating pad. Each day of the week can be programmed independently so that the alarm need not be reset each day to accommodate a varying daily schedule. Two independent daily schedules are available, so that one device may be used for a couple. Different weekly schedules are available to accommodate rotating shift workers, or others that need to have different schedules from time to time. The alarm time can be changed just for the next day, without changing the normal alarm schedule. A built in or external telephone may be programmed with telephone off times so that sleep in not disturbed. A built in un-interruptible power supply allows the clock to continue to function during power outages.

Abstract: An electronic device (103, 200) employs a method and apparatus for selectively audibly alerting a user as to the status of the device's DC power source (119). The device receives input from the user indicating a time period during which the audible low power alert is not to be emanated from the device. After receiving such input, the device determines whether a low power condition exists during the time period and deactivates the audible low power alert if such a condition is met. Alternatively or additionally, after receiving the time period input from the user, the device may determine the likelihood of a low power condition occurring during the time period and activate the audible alert prior to commencement of the time period if such a condition is likely to occur, thereby providing the user advance notice of the potential for such a condition.

Abstract: A wearable mobile computing device/appliance (a wrist watch) with a high resolution display that is capable of wirelessly accessing information from a network and a variety of other devices. The mobile computing device/appliance includes a user interface that is used to efficiently interact with alarms and notifications on the watch.

Abstract: A measuring unit capable of measuring change in physical quantity, such as a temperature, and incorporating a measuring portion for sequentially recording plural measurement data measured at a predetermined interval in a memory, and a communication portion capable of transferring the recorded plural measurement data in the memory and the period elapsed from the last data measurement to communication. In the measuring unit, only measurement data can be recorded, requiring no recording of the time information. After transferring the measurement data and the elapsed period to a measuring data management apparatus, the measuring data management apparatus is able to obtain measurement time of each measurement data. Therefore, the structure of the measuring unit can be simplified and the capacity of the memory can effectively be used to record the measurement data. Moreover, time required to transfer measurement data can be shortened.

Abstract: The present invention is an alarm clock device which programmably and automatically coordinates the movement of one or more electric toy trains, or the like. The present invention alarm clock preferably triggers the movement of an electric toy train when a pre-set alarm time is reached. The alarm clock device comprises at least one base that defines an elongated substantially non-linear track for regulating the movement of a toy train. The traveling speed of the train is preferably regulated by a voltage varying device, such as a transformer, that is attached to the track and also coupled to a manually adjustable speed controlling member within the alarm clock. The movement of the train is preferably accompanied by applicable audible sounds that correspond therewith. The duration of movement may be programmed manually and may be adjusted in any variety of ways.

Abstract: A data recorder constructed in the form of a hand set (10) with an actuating mechanism function switch (14) and a time switch clock coupled to an audible signal transmitter with a time setting means, the reset key or the reset function is inhibited until after the data recall, in which each data recording is storable with a presettable time at which the audible signal transmitter is activated by means of a timing circuit, and/or wherein the data recording is individually inhibited until its recall againt an inadvertent reset so that the recorder can be employed as an appointment scheduler.

Abstract: An automobile annual inspection reminder device sets off flashingly a bright light emitting diode (LED) approximately a month before the due date of the next automobile inspection. The device employs conventional battery operated digital watch circuitry to facilitate the setting of a counter/memory to the current time and date and the storage in memory of representations of the inspection due month and day thereof as well as of an earlier alarm date differing by a predetermined interval from the inspection-due date indicated by the facility and storing the same in the memory. A micro switch is provided for each of the twelve months of the year to set the inspection due date in memory. A "Snooze" button provides for temporary inactivation of the LED or beeper. After an inspection, the device can be set to the new inspection-due date.

Abstract: An electronic device that stores audio messages entered by the user onto digital chips. Each recorded message is addressed with a chronological code that enables a microprocessor to access the memos according to specific times. When the code used to record the memo matches the current time and day or date, the memo is downloaded into an immediate access file. A proximity detector provides a signal to the microprocessor when a presence is detected, activating playback of the memos in the immediate access file, unless modified by suppression programming. The apparatus may further include a light sensor to activate a given message when ambient lights are turned off.

Abstract: An electronic alarm clock including a clock timing circuit for counting the basic time, an alarm time setting circuit for setting an alarm time and an alarm time storing circuit storing said alarm time. The electronic alarm clock also includes an alarm coincidence detecting circuit for detecting the coincidence between the basic time and the alarm time stored in said alarm timing storing circuit, an alarm setting/resetting circuit and an alarm sounding control circuit for causing an alarm sounding circuit to sound when said alarm setting/resetting circuit is set and said alarm coincidence detecting circuit detects the coincidence between said basic time and said alarm time.

Abstract: A low-power integrated circuit clock/calendar, wherein separate data busses are used for the time data and the alarm data. Conditional logic is used to only compare seconds bits (unless a match occurs, in which case higher-order bits are then compared). Thus, charging and discharging of the data busses (which carry the time data) occurs only when a data transition is occurring. A special clocked latch circuit is used to hold the potential of each line of the time data bus constant, except when the data on the bus is actually changing. These innovations help to provide extremely long battery lifetime, since charge is not consumed by unnecessarily charging and discharging busses. Preferably this bus architecture is combined with a low-power logic architecture.

Abstract: Melodies are changed over sequentially in accordance with hours at each of which an alarm melody is to be played as a time signal so that predetermined melodies are always played at predetermined hours, respectively. In addition, even if the hours and the melodies become discordant with each other as a result, for example, of the correction of the time made during the timekeeping operation of the timepiece, the melodies are automatically reset at a predetermined time so as to be coincident with the corresponding hours.A switch S2 for detecting a correct hour is on-off controlled by a cam 6a provided as an integral part of a minute pipe 6 that makes one revolution per hour. A reset switch S3 is on-off controlled through a reset lever 5 pivoted by an hour wheel 4 that makes one revolution per twelve hours. An alarm control circuit in an IC 3 incorporates a plurality of melodies.

Abstract: The present invention is an alarm clock device which programmably and automatically coordinates the movement of one or more electric toy trains, or the like. The present invention alarm clock preferably triggers the movement of an electric toy train when a pre-set alarm time is reached. The alarm clock device comprises at least one base that defines an elongated substantially non-linear track for regulating the movement of a toy train. The traveling speed of the train is preferably regulated by a voltage varying device, such as a transformer, that is attached to the track and also coupled to a manually adjustable speed controlling member within the alarm clock. The movement of the train is preferably accompanied by applicable audible sounds that correspond therewith. The duration of movement may be programmed manually and may be adjusted in any variety of ways.